DIY Fitted Wardrobes

Like many homes in the UK yours may have oddly shaped rooms, little alcoves or wall spaces which are crying out for fitted wardrobes and simply won't fit a free-standing option. Aside from getting in experts and having them measure and fit a wardrobe for you, there is the option of buying the required components and doing it yourself.

A fitted wardrobe is simply one or more doors fitted along the length of one wall leaving a space behind. You may need to add in end panels if you don't want the wardrobe to cover the entire length, but it is certainly a simple concept. Behind the door you can choose to fit any system of rails or shelves which suits your needs.

Doors

Sliding doors will offer you to most flexible and easy to fit options for your wardrobe. From coloured panel doors to mirrors or even veneered wood. The door will become a major feature of your room, so your choice of material is important.

You can decide to have either the basic sliding doors with two or even three panels or you can go with a split sliding option. This means that you can have different materials on each section – top, middle and bottom.

When buying from a sliding door manufacturer who specialises in wardrobes, you will be supplied with the correct tracks for the door. They will also supply a frame or liner which is applied to the ends of the walls. It is then simply a case of fitting the tracks to the floor and ceiling and lifting the door into place. If you are installing end panels these will need to be fitted first.

Fitting out the inside

Flexibility is the key when it comes to getting the look you want inside your wardrobe. If you think along the lines of shop fittings then you will gain the adaptability you require.

Most DIY stores sell shelving system which use rails and brackets. From these you can install a series of shelves, rails or even drawers. You may want to have short rails for hanging shirts and longer rails for hanging dresses. Your shelves can be used in conjunction with baskets for ease of use.

Many kitchen manufacturers have sliding baskets which are placed inside kitchen cupboards. There is no reason why this cannot be transferred to a wardrobe. You could use baskets on sliders for shoes and accessories.

Being creative inside your wardrobe is the best way to maximise space and get an attractive finish. Best of all you can move the shelving and brackets around to fit your changing wardrobe. For example in the summer and winter.

Not only will adding a wardrobe to your bedroom fill an otherwise unusable space, it will add value and always needed storage space. It is just a matter of working out which style works for you.